Maruti Suzuki Baleno

Do a raft of changes further solidify the Maruti Suzuki Baleno’s success in the premium hatchback space?

- Tuhin Guha

Type 1,197cc, Inline-4 petrol

LxWxH(mm) 3,990 x 1,745 x 1,500

Max power 90PS@6,000rpm

Price ₹8.99 lakh, onwards

Max torque 113Nm@4,400rpm

+ Features, space, improved road manners

- Too similar looking to last-gen car, high-speed stability

Maruti Suzuki’s dominant position in the Indian market has come on the back of it consistently delivering products that perfectly fit the needs of a specific section of the Indian car-buying public. While most of these best-sellers have been at the more frugal end of the market, first the Swift and now the Baleno have stood out. The Swift started the premium hatch rage in the country, and the Baleno has only advanced this popularity further. The hatchback debuted the Nexa retail channel and in the six years since a staggering 15 lakh units have been sold, or once every three minutes! So with these stakes at hand, it’s no wonder that Maruti Suzuki has taken its time to bring the Baleno up to scratch against rivals who have slowly started picking away at its pie.

Styling